Sixty-five soldiers from the Nahal preparatory base reported gastrointestinal illness over the weekend, according to a report published by ynet. The IDF said on Wednesday that it is inspecting the base to determine the source of the outbreak and has taken steps to contain it, including disinfecting toilets, using disposable utensils, and separating toilets for sick and healthy soldiers.
The army said all soldiers who reported feeling unwell are now resting. In a statement, the IDF said that during the weekend several soldiers sought medical care after feeling sick and showing signs of intestinal illness. It said they received initial treatment at the base, and those who needed it were sent home to recover. The source of the illness is still under investigation, and containment measures have been implemented.
In a separate incident, also over the same weekend, 10 female lookout soldiers at the Sde Yerocham base suffered dehydration and needed medical treatment. The IDF said the soldiers who reported feeling unwell are under medical supervision by the unit doctor at the base and continue to receive treatment as needed.
One of the soldiers’ fathers told ynet a different story, saying that since Saturday there had been “a long line of girls fainting, having diarrhea and vomiting.” He said the problem was not limited to soldiers at the shooting range and appeared to be related to sanitation at the base. He also said trust in the system was “close to zero.” The father said the incident followed earlier reports about poor sanitation at Sde Yerocham, including a previous case in which power outages spoiled food and the soldiers were sent home after media intervention. He also cited past reporting about inadequate protection for lookout soldiers during alerts, saying the way they are treated remains troubling.
